The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1887-07-23
"A DAISY"
An Incident of the Ranch on the
Divide.

The ranch was not large, nor particularly
noticeable, as ranches go, but it's situation
was splendid. The road from the valley OF
7the Platte to that of La Fontaine Qui Bou-
lille crossed the Divide, or ridge; and, just
,over it and sheltered by it from the north
ern winds, were the ranch-house, sheds
and corrals. At the west, one saw the foot
hills and glimpses of the great peaks be-
hind them; and, not far from the house
opened canyon between whose steep and
verdure-clad walls ran q clear and a rapid
stream, chatting in its restricted channel,
and seeming impatient to bestow the largest
of its beneficent and priceless waters upon
'the arid plains stretching far to the east
ward. Looking to the south again one saw
the rolling country rising at intervals into
:mesas and dotted with scanty groves Of
trees.
The sun had passed beyond the range,
above which rose wealth Of clouds OF airy
texture and gorgeous colors; and the edge
of the shadow in which the ranch lay could
Tbe seen creeping steadily over the buffalo
grass toward the eastern horizon. Con-
verging toward the house came parties
from the four points OF the compass; and,
awaiting them, and standing on the door
step, looking first in one direction and then
in another, was a quaint and curious youth
ful specimen of that alien race which has
had so sorry reception on our shores, the
Ghinese.
His sharp, almond. shaped eyes caught o
glimpse of the great flock Of sheep the mo-
ment they surmounted the slight elevation
over which he had often seen the sun rise;
and, with the two watchful Mexican herd
'ers behind them, they came straight to-
ward the water troughs. These same eyes
saw Uncle Jim Boyle, as he tramped slowly
ali afn1v, or .,;.l 80
the nearest mesa at the south, and even
caught the smoke of his pipe rising in the
clear nir. All Fong knew that Uncle Jim
had promised to sleep at the ranch while its
master was absent and, having q profound
respect for the strength and prowess of
this redOubtable frontiersman, he thought
the arrangement excellent. Then he saw
the pretty bit Of color which Fanny Car
rolls dress made against the dark back
ground of the canvon wall. as she climbed
over the rock at its mouth: and the tassels
of silver thread on the cord around the
crown Of young Sam Ruxton's sombrero as
he assiduously helped her, holding her little
hand perhaps somewhat longer than was
necessary. This made something as near a
.nlle show itself on All Fong's face as was
ever seen on those emotionless features.
When, however, the Chinese boy again
walked to the rear Of the house and CHANGED
to look to the northward, he stopped and
gazed intently at two men who were com.
ing over the ridge. He stood perfectly
still for some time and then, making his
way quietly toward rude out-building,
concealed himself therein.
Farther and farther crept the line OF
shadow to the eastward nearer and nearer
the ranch came the different parties. At
last the herders shut the bars Of tho corral
a,oh i,,d 1,o1 loo nf nh
unsNnging their canteens, began pumping
water for their charges. Uncle Jim Boyle
mounted the steps Of the rude piazza with
firm and heavy tread, and the two young
pcople--she swinging her large straw hat
by its ribbons, und he walking decorously at
her side-cnme round the corner of the
shed.
Every body on the Divide took an earnest
interest in Fanny Carroll. When her
father, old Tom Carroll, up at Georgetown,
made his great strike, and sold out TO the
eager ''tender-feet," there was general
sentiment Of satisfaction; for Tom had
worked faithfully, and had plenty of hard
luck and was good fellow through it all.
When, too, he camo into possession Of q
so]id bank account, he behaved particularly
we'll; declined to be ''interviewed," J" bought
no diamond pins, extended liberal help to
some old ''pnrds' whose luck had deserted
them, and, as the boys expressed it, .wan't
stuck up aud didn't go back on 'em."
Miss Fanny was sent to an Eastern SEM
inary, whence she had returned as accom-
plished and pretty and refined and well
dressed as heart could desire. When she
camo down to the Divide 10 make visit at
the ranch, it was unanimously decided by
the population of that region that she ''just
sverlastingly laid Over'' any thing from the
u. Z. down to New Mexico. She was in
deed charming girl by any standard, and,
with her chestnut-brown hair and mahog-
any-colorcd eyes, and 1.-the, slender figure
would have attracted attention anywhere
Small wonder, then, that this gracious
young creature soon reigned an uncrowned
queen over many loyal and devoted sub
jects. Now, Us she came near to him, ole
Uncle Jims face relaxed, and his eyes tool
on tender expression.
"Bless her heart" said he to himself
sshe's tho pootiest creetur I've seen IL
many o long year. The young feller'l
mashed pooty bad on her. Waal, I've beer
young myself, an know how 1t Is. kline
o. think she can do jest any thing she lfSei
with him. don't believe thar's maj
livin' thet could say no to her, let alone d.
her harmn He dotted his hat, and, with
curious timidity, took her little hand, prof
fered ~ she greeted him, In the firm grasl
NJ his own largo and rough On0. Then he